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Berkman may make Rangers debut Thursday

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SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Lance Berkman, who has been sidelined with a strained right calf muscle, could be the Rangers' designated hitter on Thursday at 2:05 p.m. CT against the Indians in Surprise. Adrian Beltre, who also has a strained right calf, could follow him into the lineup shortly thereafter.

Right now, the most interesting injury to watch is that of outfielder Engel Beltre. He is sidelined with soreness in his left shoulder, his throwing arm, and it may keep him out of the World Baseball Classic. He is supposed to join Team Spain on March 3.

Engel's shoulder isn't progressing as well as expected, and the Rangers are going to have him examined by a local orthopedist. How much Beltre progresses in the next few days will determine if he can suit up for Spain.

"If I feel 100 percent, I'm going to go," the outfielder said. "It all depends on how the shoulder feels."